Benjamin Pius is a distinguished visionary in the media and technology space, helping to create, incubate and lead companies and organisations – especially in the Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT) space – to growth and profitability.
With a career spanning over two decades at the C-level, Benjamin has earned a reputation as a strategic thinker and a hands-on leader, specialising in business and organisational transformations, fostering innovation, and delivering exceptional financial performances.

As Broadcast Media Africa’s founder, CEO, and Publisher, Benjamin has established a pan-continental networking platform, bringing together media and tech professionals to foster collaboration and innovation. Simultaneously, he serves as the chief executive officer for BSP Media Group, demonstrating his multifaceted leadership in the industry. Benjamin is deeply engaged in incubating and bringing to market “MOOA,” a revolutionary media-tech platform designed to discover and exchange audio-visual assets. This project reflects his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation and his dedication to shaping the future of the media and technology landscape.

As he continues to lead and inspire, Benjamin Pius stands as a driving force in the evolution of the TMT industry – especially within the Africa ecosystem – leaving an indelible legacy of success and forward-thinking.

Marketing catalyst | brand storyteller | growth innovator.

I’m an experienced Marketing Director / Chief Marketing Officer with more than 20 years’ experience in marketing, integrated marketing communications and sales. Skilled in marketing strategy, digital and social marketing, growth hacking, customer acquisition and customer retention.

Experienced with a demonstrated history of working in the banking industry. Skilled in Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Software Project Management, Data Governance, Data Warehousing, and Data Integration. Strong information technology professional with a Master of Commerce in Information Systems focused in Business/Commerce, General from University of Cape Town.

19 Years of Technology Experience launching several technology startups in different verticals and markets.

Founder and Group CEO at Alpha Technology, a Holding that combines 9 Tech Companies active in different areas such as Streaming, Content, Artificial Intelligence, NLP, Enterprise CRM / ERP solutions, Research, and Others.

Commercial TV, Media and VOD Executive

Minnie Harris is the General Manager for Verticals and Markets within MTN Group’s Digital Business, bringing a wealth of experience from her dynamic career within MTN. Her journey has spanned key leadership roles, including Senior Manager for Group Finance & Reporting, Business Manager to the Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Finance Business Partner to pivotal functions such as Group Digital, Fintech, Legal & Regulatory, and Human Resources.

Over the past four years, Minnie has played a crucial role in driving MTN’s digital transformation, serving as CFO for Group Digital and Ayoba, and stepping up as Interim CEO for MTN Group Digital Business. A qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) with a background at KPMG, she combines deep financial expertise with a strategic vision for digital innovation. Her leadership has been instrumental in ensuring financial resilience, fostering growth, and shaping MTN’s digital strategy for the future.

With over 15 years of professional experience in middle management and executive roles, I have acquired a diverse skill set encompassing statistics, strategic planning, financial management, new business development, and research. My expertise spans across the telecommunications and broadcasting industries, where I have successfully contributed to various initiatives and projects.

Steve DEBLOMME is a Sales Director in the telecommunications and satellite industries, currently serving as the Sales Director Southern Africa and Israel at Eutelsat.

Based in Dubai, Steve oversees Eutelsat’s sales and strategic growth across the Southern African market. His work focuses on expanding satellite connectivity and digital infrastructure in emerging markets.

Steve have more than 20 years of Experience in satellite communication in different vertical and market.

Bradley Joshua is Gambit’s CEO and Executive Producer. With a focus on Business development and growth through content, Bradley is the force behind the exponential growth of Gambit Films. Bradley drives the Vision, Mission and Strategy in order to continuously grow Gambit Films in the ever-changing marketplace. Through his leadership, clear guidelines are set for business success.

During the last 8 years at Gambit Films, Bradley has Produced over 2000 episodes of television, the latest being “Blood and Water”, “Unseen” & “Blood Legacy” for streaming giant Netflix and the much loved South African daily drama series “Suidooster”. On the feature film side, he produced the critically acclaimed thriller i.e. “ Nommer 37” which had its World Premier at SXSW and received North American distribution with theatrical releases in New York and LA. His latest feature, an action film called “ Indemnity”, had its World Premiere at Fantasia International Film Festival.

Dimitri is a development sociologist specialising in research, digital media, and information and communications technologies (ICT). He was researcher for the Digital Broadcasting Advisory Body (DBAB). He was key to the development and launch of the South African Film and TV Production incentive. He was part of the team of expert consultants on the Review Panel that produced the “Integrated ICT Policy for South Africa”, the originating policy that gave rise to the draft Audio-Visual policy. He served as researcher for the SA National Editors Forum inquiry into media ethics. More recently he was the lead author for a country study on the impact of artificial intelligence in the information space for the Forum for Information and Democracy.

In the corporate environment he was part of the top management team that launched South Africa’s first commercial free-to-air and also subscription television stations. He has also played a key role in the launch of several commercial radio and community TV channels.

He now focuses his energy on driving innovative projects in new content development, policy and regulatory advisory and business consulting services.

He is a graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) reading for a BA honours degree in Cultural and Media Studies and an MA in Development Sociology.

Eng. Tapiwa Masikati-Mudzamba is the substantive Chief Operations Officer (COO) at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), bringing over 16 years of progressive leadership in broadcasting, engineering, and organizational transformation.

He holds a BSc (Hons) in Physics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Satellite Communications Engineering, and a Master’s Degree in Communication Engineering, complemented by multiple certifications in broadcasting systems, quality management, and leadership.

A transformational leader, Eng. Masikati-Mudzamba has spearheaded ZBC’s modernisation and digital migration, overseeing the transition from analog to digital workflows, the upgrade of production, playout, and transmission systems to High Definition (HD) with Ultra High Definition (UHD) readiness, and the automation of critical operations. He is also leading ZBC’s advancement toward IPTV and OTT platforms, reinforcing its position in the evolving digital media landscape.

Under his leadership, ZBC has implemented robust Quality Management Systems to enhance operational efficiency, service reliability, and corporate resilience.

Recognised for his strategic foresight, technical innovation, and collaborative leadership style, Eng. Masikati-Mudzamba envisions transforming ZBC into a commercially sustainable, reputable multimedia broadcaster that consistently delivers excellence in performance, service, and impact.

Jean-Michel is the CFO of the Triggerfish group of companies and has been part of the executive management team since 2012. He has been instrumental in establishing Triggerfish’s disciplined financial culture and profitability. Jean-Michel has over 30 years of experience in financial reporting and analysis, internal controls, project work, due diligence, and financial modelling. Before returning to Cape Town, he worked in the film finance team for the Matrix Group in London and was an Associate at JP Morgan Chase & Co. He was a Producer on the Triggerfish animated feature films, Khumba and Seal Team, and was the key financial executive for Triggerfish on Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire (Disney+), Supa Team 4 (Netflix), Kiya and the Kimojo Heroes (Hasbro/Disney Jnr) and Aau’s Song (Lucasfilm).

He is a qualified accountant with an MBA degree from the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University.

Seasoned ICT Leader & Managing Director at Broadsmart driving digital transformation in Tech & Media. Leveraging 15+ years of strategic experience across private & public sectors (SAA, Coca-Cola, Investec, Sentech) and independent consulting to deliver innovative solutions and advisory services that solve complex business challenges.

Dumisani (Diya) Sondlo is the AI Policy Lead serving in the Working Group on the Development of the National AI Policy at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) in South Africa, a position which he assumed in 2024. He has served in Digital Economy Working Group and in the Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation (both under South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency).

Dumisani has the technical responsibility of ensuring the development of the country’s policy on Artificial Intelligence and for the indicators which measure the uptake of digital technologies.

Previously, he played key roles in the digitizing of government services, supporting ICT small businesses, the execution of strategies for the development of high-level human capital, leveraging multimillion dollar ICT sector investment pledges for a Presidential target.

He has over 25 years of work experience in the ICT sector in South Africa, including the public and academic sector. His experience in policy-making dates back to the groundwork undertaken towards the Telecommunications Act (#103 of 1996).

Apart from being the Founder of an ICT skills think-tank (the Digital Enterprise Africa NPC), he is also an experienced entrepreneur, and accomplished speaker and corporate governance practitioner. Dumisani is married (with 2 wonderful kids) – and is currently writing his first book, Lion Among Sheep: How Africa Learns and Leads, due to be published within 2026.

He is in possession of:

1. An Honours degree in Communications [University of Fort Hare], plus
2. An Honours Degree in Public Administration (Cum Laude) (Stellenbosch University), and
3. A Masters Degree in Public Administration (Cum Laude) (Stellenbosch University), as well as

A Masters in Business Administration [Stellenbosch University].

Minenhle Dlamini is a dynamic and accomplished media professional, currently serving as the Managing Director of Gagasi FM, South Africa’s leading regional commercial radio station. With its vibrant presence across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Gagasi FM has flourished under her visionary leadership, delivering compelling content while uplifting the province’s talent and businesses.

Her journey into radio began during her studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she pursued a BA in Media Communications and German Studies. While volunteering at Durban Youth Radio as a presenter and content producer, Minenhle discovered her passion for radio, which has shaped her career trajectory ever since. In 2009, she made her break into commercial radio as a weekend presenter, later rising to content producer for the breakfast show. Recognising her creativity and ability to connect with audiences, MINENHLE DLAMINI transitioned into the Commercial and Promotions Coordinator role, orchestrating impactful client and station campaigns.

By 2017, Minenhle was at the helm of the Creative and Promotions Department, curating innovative
campaigns that blended client objectives with Gagasi FM’s unique sound, elevating both the brand and
client satisfaction. Her dedication to crafting memorable campaigns helped set new benchmarks for
regional radio engagement. Keen to expand her leadership and strategic acumen, Minenhle completed the General Management Programme at GIBS in 2021, an experience that refined her leadership skills and taught her to inspire and empower teams. In 2024, she earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Science from the Durban University of Technology, equipping her with advanced skills in strategy, research, and innovation—critical tools for future-proofing the business.

Appointed Managing Director of Gagasi FM in 2021, Minenhle has embraced her role with passion and
purpose. She is deeply committed to nurturing KwaZulu-Natal’s talent, driving enterprise development
and CSI initiatives, and showcasing the province’s potential on a national platform. Her leadership
reflects a profound love for KZN, her hometown, and a belief in radio’s power to elevate, connect, and

Christina is a global citizen with a passion for people and a passion for the positive development of all communities and demographics globally. She has focused her career on working on global social change campaigns. She currently serves as Chief Product-and-Operating Officer at Ubongo, a pan-African NGO creating edutainment content for the African child in order to use media to equip Africa’s next generation with the educational foundation, critical skills and positive mindsets to change their own lives and communities for the better. She is also a board member of The Emerge Project.  

Kagiso Musi is a Pan-African marketing and communications executive with over 25 years of experience leading creative, media, and broadcast organisations across South Africa and the continent. Recognised for her ability to unite creativity, data and commercial strategy, she has built high- performing teams and helped shape some of Africa’s most admired brands.
A respected industry leader and transformation advocate, Kagiso has served on numerous boards and industry bodies, including the Advertising and Communication Association (Vice Chair), the Association for Communication and Advertising (Board Member), and the Effie Awards South Africa (Chairperson, 2021–2023). She has represented South Africa as a juror for the Cannes Lions and global Effie Awards and continues to mentor emerging talent in marketing and communications. Her achievements have been recognised through multiple industry accolades for creative effectiveness, leadership, and transformation.

Very passionate about innovation, and tech as tools for content production production, aggregation and distribution. Been running quite a race across Uganda’s content production, management and distribution space, for over 10 years now.

Media is the gel that keeps communities anywhere together. An avenue, that will definitely have lasting implications on populations and generations, depending on how we choose to us it. Let’s push more narratives for positive change and transformation.

I have been in media research for 18 years and I am currently the Head of Sales Intelligence at SABC. In this capacity, I oversee market intelligence, media strategy, and business intelligence, contributing to the strategic direction of the broadcaster. Prior to joining SABC, I spent 9 years at Multichoice as a Senior Research Manager in the Audience Insights division. There, I focused on understanding viewership behaviour and trends across several African countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Tanzania, Angola, Mozambique, and Ethiopia to name a few. This role allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of diverse media consumption patterns across most of the continent.

My career began at Nielsen, where I worked in the media research team. In this role, I facilitated the growth of Nielsen’s audience research capabilities, working closely with clients across broadcasting, media agencies, and advertisers. This early experience was instrumental in shaping my approach to media research.

Additionally, I have experience leading the Analytics and Insights team at a media agency. In this role, I focused on delivering strategic research and insights to help advertisers maximise their media investments.

I also serve as a board member at the Broadcasting Research Council of South Africa, where I contribute to the development of industry currency standards and practices in media research.

My extensive background in audience insights and media research has been driven by a commitment to understanding and improving how media connects with audiences and my work continues to support broadcasters, media agencies, and advertisers in making informed decisions.

I hold a BCom Honours in Marketing Management and a Masters in Strategic Management from the University of Pretoria.

With over seven years of experience across TV and streaming, she has shaped editorial strategies, negotiated content deals, and managed productions in Francophone and Lusophone Africa. Her work focuses on aligning local relevance with global ambition while adapting to regional viewing behaviors. Based in Dakar, she is committed to building structures that unite industry players and elevate African content into a regional powerhouse.

Broadcast journalist of international repute with a bias to sports
Communication and PR practitioner
Sports administrator and manager
Media Relations expert
Arbitrator and mediator of sports conflicts &issues
Coordinator of local and international events
Workaholic

I am responsible, honest and loyal as I believe that this re-enforces my purpose in life. I also demonstrate integrity without compromise, respect and commitment to excellence.

Nadine Cloete (Khoi-San) is a young filmmaker based in Cape Town. She is passionate about producing films that focus on heritage and identity. Jitsvinger: Maak it Aan (Make it Happen) was her Honours film for the University of Cape Town.

The film has been showed to seven sold-out screenings at this year’s Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival. Action Kommandant won the festival’s audience award for Best South African Film.

“I have succeeded to be one of the best in the industry because of my unwavering beliefs, laser focused on delivering and persistence. Lesson learnt and shared with others is that determination no matter what obstacles we are faced with in life, we succeed because we want to succeed and fail because did not try again.” says Nadine.

With over two decades at Media24, I have honed a robust expertise in media management, underpinned by a relentless drive for creativity and innovation. In my current role as General Manager, the focus has been on partnerships as well as a forward-thinking culture. I strive to innovate within the media landscape, and with my team, we operate as a productive, flexible and enthusiastic outfit. We believe all projects need heart and mind. And we love doing both.

Before my role in video production and TV channel management, I have had 9 positions within Media24 that required an entrepreneurial mindset. Networking and relationships is a big part of my journey within South Africa’s diverse markets. As well as working with passionate youngsters.

Every day requires me to lean on my experience and rethink my challenges in this unpredictable landscape. However, with curiosity and energy I plan to be part of media till I literally can’t anymore. And that is long gone. For me media is an extension of everything I love. And the people are mostly just as valued.

Alongside my job, I have become a pseudo academic teaching Media Entrepreneurship and mentoring international executives. And I can’t believe how much joy academia is giving me.

Amorè Loggenberg is a digital media leader with more than 12 years of experience shaping strategies for global and local brands across multiple industries. As Head of Digital Media at Duck and Craig, she is responsible for building strategies that blend creativity, innovation, and analytics to deliver measurable results.

Her career has given her the opportunity to partner with some of the world’s most recognized names, including Adidas, Estee Lauder, Standard Bank, Heineken, Huawei, Unilever, McDonald’s, and Volkswagen. Her work is known for its ability to cut through clutter, tell authentic stories, and connect brands with the audiences that matter most.

Amorè has researched the evolution of Connected TV (CTV) and Over-the-Top (OTT) advertising extensively, with a special interest in how these platforms are transforming audience behavior in Africa. She believes that CTV and OTT do more than open new channels for advertising. They create opportunities for brands to reach consumers in more meaningful, measurable, and culturally relevant ways. Her perspective is rooted in both data-driven precision and the belief that storytelling is the foundation of all effective marketing.

At Duck and Craig, she leads a team of media professionals and drives campaigns that span digital, social, and traditional platforms. Her forward-thinking approach ensures brands not only stay relevant in a rapidly changing environment but also build long-term value.

Amorè lives by the words of Benjamin Disraeli: “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” This principle guides her work as a strategist, mentor, and thought leader in the media space.

With over 30 years experience in the TV Production and Broadcast sectors, Craig is internationally recognized as an innovator and thought leader in the media space and is a sought after speaker and panelist at media industry events worldwide.

Having had a career spanning Directing and Producing in both developed and emerging markets before moving into Distribution and Broadcasting, his unique perspective has driven him to pioneer disruptive technical solutions and commercial models into the global media landscape as it reinvents itself to be fit for the digital age.

A prolific media entrepreneur, Craig has founded multiple media companies over the years including Porcupine Films, AfricaXP (Distributor and Multi-Channel Network Operator), PremiumFree TV (FTA Satellite and global OTT Operator), Swarm STUDIOS (Multinational Production Studio) and SwarmDMD – a leading international digital media distribution operation and media rights monetization platform.

Craig currently leads these businesses supported by a dynamic team of leading broadcast professionals located across the globe in countries including Canada, USA, Mexico, Argentina, UK, Kenya, South Africa, Mauritius and India.

As the Co-Founder and Executive Producer of GOAT Originals, Graeme Swanepoel leads the creation and management of award-winning productions and post-production services for global audiences. With over 20 years of experience, Graeme has produced more than 8,000 hours of content, entertaining viewers worldwide.

Having worked extensively with leading studios and renowned US TV Producers, Graeme gained significant exposure and mentorship in Los Angeles during the peak of the reality TV surge in the 2010s. His work has been featured on platforms such as FOX, MTV, Showmax, Apple+, Amazon Prime, BET, Hulu, Netflix, Discovery, CBS, NBC, A+E, MNET, History, and Nat Geo. Graeme has conceived, created, and managed over 30 original titles, with 16 shows achieving #1 slots on global networks and VOD platforms.

Accolades include 2 x 2024 NFTA Awards for Best Reality, 2023 SAFTA for Best Reality Show, three Gold Promax Awards, two Silver Promax Awards, and an Emmy nomination submission for Best Director and Best Non-Scripted Daytime Show from A+E Networks in 2020. In 2019, Fast Company magazine named Graeme the leading Creative in Business in Africa.

Passionate about pushing creative boundaries with technology and AI, Graeme and his company GOAT Originals are dedicated to evolving emerging markets globally in content strategy, production, and post-production. Their goal is to shift the focus from predominantly Western-centric production quality to a more inclusive global stage.

I have spent over 22 years in the Technology and Telecoms space. Driven by technology and innovation I have dedicated these years to building diverse, high-performing teams with a keen focus on creating a strong company culture. Before starting Melon Mobile I spent 5 years at MTN as part of the Exec Team which involved building one of MTNs first sub-brands, Supersonic – taking it to number 1 ISP in its first year of relaunch.  

I am a firm believer in South Africa, its people and its immense potential. My latest start-up, Melon Mobile – South Africa’s first fully digital MVNO is set to disrupt the mobile industry by putting the consumer at the heart of it all, offering a new level of control, flexibility, and value. 

Sivan Pillay is the CEO of Zero Gravity TV and Media focused on creating and producing Unscripted and Factual Television content globally in partnership with the Known Associates Group.

He is also the founder and CEO of 360 Degrees South with over 25 years of experience in Music and Television.

360 Degrees South is Media Agency focused on Technology, Digital and Content business whilst Zero Gravity TV and Media is a TV and Media production company that is focused on Creative Development, Production and Distribution of IP for Broadcast and Digital locally and globally.

Pillay joined Endemol SA in 2000 and appointed Head of Commercial and Digital business in 2004, then promoted to MD of Endemol South Africa in 2008. After the Endemol-Shine global merger, Pillay was appointed CEO of Endemol Shine Africa.

For 8 years as CEO, Pillay spearheaded Endemol’s Creative and Production expansion with a list of successful TV series including Big Brother Africa, Isidingo, Survivor South Africa, Fear Factor, Project Fame West and East Africa, All You Need Is Love and Deal or No Deal.

He also led as Executive Producer on over 130 major TV series and commercial deals in Africa over an 8 period spanning 2008-2016 and acted as a judge in SABC3’s 2002 hit series Coca-Cola PopStars.

In 2016 Pillay decided to further fuel his passion for Music, Creativity and Technology in the form of 360 Degrees South and Zero Gravity TV & Media. As the CEO of both companies, Pillay aims to connect Africa’s best creative ideas with the world and with the highest production standards.

He spent two years as CEO of Trace Studios in 2022 and 2023.

Sivan Pillay is also an accomplished musician with two solo albums released under the pseudonym The Eskimo Writer.
Pillay’s career started in EMI Music South Africa as International Label Manager and Promotions. He worked with artists in SA including Roxette, Vanessa Mae, Foo Fighters and Radiohead. He also managed local tours with Luther Vandross and Michael Learns to Rock. Pillay then signed the SA rock band Watershed in 1998. At age 25, Pillay went into television with media agency Synapse and then Endemol SA.

I am a curious and problem solving mind.

I started my career out Television as a presenter on Hectic Nine-9 and then Afternoon Express on SABC3. I soon branched out into the role of producer until I took the offer of co-founding award winning Digital Agency Special Effects Media South Africa and have been building and running this first of a kind business for many years now. I also host the Award Winning chart on Good Hope FM – the Hit30.

I grew up in Johannesburg and attended St Stithians’ College. On completing high school, I ventured off to Cape Town where he completed a BA Law degree at UCT majoring in Law and Sociology. I also have a mini MBA from the London School Of Economics, a YouTube certification and a financial management qualification.

In addition to the entrepreneurial and media personality hats I wear, I am passionate about the NGO/NPO space and sat on the board of a youth organisation called Life Choices which is investing in youth to tackle inequality. I now sit on the board of Justice Desk Africa – a Human Rights Organisation making waves across Africa.

Current co-chair of the Independent Producers Organisation (IPO), Honorary Chair of the South African Film Academy and convenor of the YOung Filmmakers programme, Quinton has more than 20 years of production experience in various formats and oversees up Spier Films productions on the ground with Michael Auret

Chief Director- Broadcasting Policy, The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), South Africa: Mr Mashile is the head of Broadcasting Policy in South Africa. He has been pivotal in high-profile regulatory and legislative programmes, the South Africa National White Paper on Digital Audiovisual Media Services and Online Content Safety, the SABC Bill and the Films and Publications Amendment Act, all of which seeks to modernise current regulations and laws for the digital Audiovisual Media Services and online safety. Mr Mashile is also an active contributor, member and participant in the  African Continental Free Trade (AfCFTA) Regulatory Framework for the Communications Sector Task Force and Public Policy Discussions on South African National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy and Strategy.

Prior to joining the DCDT he was the Senior Manager for Regulatory Policy Development and Research at the ICASA.Besides the Master of Communications – Management Science from University of Strathclyde Business School – Glasgow, Scotland, he also has Post Graduate Diploma in Communications & Media Regulation from European University Institute’s Florence School of Regulation (FSR), San Domenico di Fiesole (FI) Florence – Italy, the Global Digital Regulation Training Certificate from ITU Course  with the support of CITC Saudi Arabia and Implementing Public Policy Executive Education for Strategic Management of Regulatory and Enforcement Agencies from Harvard Kennedy School to mention a few.

I am a young(“forever”) and proud South African with an inconceivable passion for bringing new things into being, entrepreneurship in a nutshell. I have been involved in various entrepreneurial ventures and initiatives. I gain great satisfaction from assisting fellow young South Africans to build sustainable businesses and create meaningful employment during these unfavourable times of our economy.

Comfort Mbofana is a seasoned radio practitioner, having started his electronic media career as a producer/presenter in 1990 at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. He worked for the English language stations Radio One and Radio Three for 6 years, rising through the ranks to Senior Producer and then Acting Station Manager.

He then branched out into Public Relations working for an international consultancy before going into advertising as General Manager in 2001. In 2008, he became Managing Director of one of the top advertising agencies in Zimbabwe(which has a footprint in Southern Africa). In 2012, he returned to broadcasting as Senior Producer to a new radio station where he rose through the ranks to become Deputy General Manager(Programming Manager) and then General Manager  in 2015 for the station, Star FM. In 2017, he was appointed GM of the Zimpapers Radio Broadcasting Division which houses four radio stations- Capitalk 100.4FM, Diamond FM, Platinum FM and Zimbabwe’s leading urban radio station Star FM. Star FM has won 27 awards since inception and is the only radio station to have won the prestigious Superbrand Award 4 times as well as international awards.

A journalist and TV news producer, he founded Africa’s first financial news channel, Business Day TV. He subsequently launched The Home Channel (lifestyle) and Ignition TV (motoring) on the DStv platform.

The channels feature a strong local content line-up, driven by a production team of around 60 people, as well as popular international shows.

Arena also co-produces the long-running weekly Pan African lifestyle show Afrimaxx (with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle). Creative teams working across 15 countries showcase the best of art, fashion, design, food and style for African and international audiences.

Yannick Kabangu is the Country Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Adform, a global leader in advertising technology. He leads the company’s regional growth strategy, driving innovation, strategic partnerships, and client success across the continent.

With over 14 years of experience in MarTech and AdTech, Yannick has held senior commercial and consulting roles across leading technology companies. Before joining Adform, he led regional partnerships between brands and publishers at ReturnX, and previously managed global brands portfolios at Conversant, the digital media arm of Epsilon (Publicis Groupe).

His expertise spans SaaS, AdTech, MarTech, and Go-To-Market strategy, with a focus on helping brands and publishers leverage cutting-edge marketing solutions. A passionate advocate for technology as a catalyst for economic growth, Yannick is committed to empowering the next generation of digital professionals in Africa

Michael (Mike) Aldridge is currently employed as the Broadcast Manager at Cape Town TV. The channel is a community TV station serving the greater Cape Town area and it is also broadcast throughout South Africa on DStv and FreeVision. Mike is one of the founders of Cape Town TV and has run key areas of the channel since it started broadcasting in 2008. Here he manages several departments including Broadcasting, Programming, IT and Regulatory Affairs.

He is currently involved in developing the channel’s online platform and evolving interactive digital broadcasting technologies. Mike has been involved in community television since the mid-1990s. His research into this third tier of broadcasting helped to shape South Africa’s policy in this area through innovative economic modeling which led to the current funding model for community TV. Academically, Mike holds Honours and Masters degrees in Cultural and Media Studies as well as a BA, all from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. He is a tech innovator and headed a team that won the Sentech Innovation Prize for his invention of a smart set-top box for digital television reception.

Head of Audio Innovation, Co-Founder and Director of Industry Relations for The South African Podcasters Guild.

I am a technology executive with over 12 years of experience driving innovation, product development, and digital infrastructure across the African media and telecom landscape. I currently serve as the Chief Technology Officer at African Media Hub (AMH) and the Country Director for Ethiopia, where I lead strategic efforts in expanding OTT and digital content services throughout the continent.One of my most impactful contributions has been the successful integration of an OTT platform into one of Africa’s largest telecom networks, providing seamless content delivery to over 92 million subscribers. I designed and executed the full technology roadmap, including API integration, scalable backend systems, and secure content distribution.In addition, I introduced AI-powered educational and content recommendation tools specifically designed for the Ethiopian market. These features improved user experience through personalized learning paths and intelligent content discovery, making the platform not only entertaining but also socially transformative.My focus is on building digital solutions that are scalable, culturally relevant, and locally adaptable. Beyond Ethiopia, I’ve playing a central role in launching our media services in several countries including Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania, with more territories in the pipeline.I have a strong background in OTT architecture, cloud-native deployment, video streaming, and mobile-first content strategies. I also work closely with cross-border telecoms and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and sustainable market entry.

Josh is a mentor, media disruptor, and entrepreneur known for his creative edge and unique methodology. With over 20 years of experience at a wide range of companies such as ABC, BET, Scripps, MTV, Pivot, Urban One, The Shade Room, and more, Josh has seen the Media industry from all angles and seamlessly moved between Digital, Cable television, Radio, and Social to gain a deep understanding of the Media Industry. These different facets of the business have made him passionate about the tangible impact of a well-executed marketing strategy. Additionally, his entrepreneurial experience with a successful grass-fed beef company has given Josh a passion for the growth and development of Black brands and Black entrepreneurs. He is a true collaborator and award-winning leader. At The ShadeRoom, Josh heads up a cross-platform sales team, e-commerce, and marketing for the World’s #1 Social Brand.